24 Shaker Road Gray, ME 04039 | Tel: 1-207-657-3204
Walter Arthur (Jr.) Bodwell
February 24, 1946 ~ August 19, 2017 (age 71) 71 Years OldShare using:
W. Arthur Bodwell Jr., 71, of Gray, surrounded by the love of his family and dear companion, passed away after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Manchester, NH, son of the late Walter A. and Josephine (Lyon) Bodwell.
Art was a 1964 graduate of Central High School in Manchester, NH and 1968 graduate of the University of New Hampshire where he earned a degree in business. While at UNH he enrolled in the Army ROTC program where he met his lifelong friend, Willy Millar, who he enjoyed plenty of colorful correspondence and banter throughout the years. After his time of active duty, Art was honorably discharged in 1971. In July of 1971 he married the love of his life, the late Gail (Alcorn) Bodwell and they were blessed with 42 years of marriage.
Following his discharge from the army, he and Gail moved to Waterville, Maine where he began his began his career at Central Maine Power. In 1979 he and his family moved to Gray, Maine where he accepted a position at Pine Tree Telephone as the business manager. After 22 years, he left Pine Tree and began as a Computer Technician in the Gray-New Gloucester school system. He greatly enjoyed his 15 years working with his colleagues in the Technology department, as well as his many interactions with numerous employees of the MSAD 15 district. When Art was asked what he liked most about his job, he replied “making people happy after I fix the problem.”
Art enjoyed many years coaching his daughters in little league softball. Beginning with his oldest daughter as an Eagle and ending nearly 20 years later with his youngest as a Lady Hawk, he spent endless hours pacing the dugouts and calling out coaching advice to countless G-NG softball players. His love of the game continued as he reluctantly embraced the roll as spectator while watching his daughters who played in high school and beyond.
When not at a softball field, Art could typically be found in his shop whittling away on his newest carving, block animal, or making furniture. He greatly enjoyed woodworking and spent hours at his hobby. Art also loved watching the New England Patriots who had many a ball cap thrown at
them via the TV screen throughout the years. He would even record games to rewatch in the shop while working on his latest project. These two hobbies complimented each other, and possibly a source of respite from the day to day joys of raising five daughters.
Art was predeceased by his wife, Gail (Alcorn) Bodwell. He is survived by his five daughters, Carrie L. and her husband Patrick Brennan of Belgrade, Rebecca S. Bodwell and her significant other James Johnson of Westbrook, Robyn A. and her husband Keith Hillard of Southbridge Mass., Bethany B and her husband Jesse Parks of Westbrook, and Paige B. and her husband Nathaniel Sanborn of Westbook. Art also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Avery and Alexa Brennan, Mikayla, Ethan and Addison Hillard, Molly Sanborn and Cassidy Parks; in addition, two sisters, Judith Mulholland of Naples, Fl., and Peggy Adams of Williston, VT, his loving companion, Shelia Flanagin of Casco; as well as many other family members and friends.
Visiting hours will be held this Thursday from 5 to 8pm and a service will be held on Friday at 3pm both at the Wilson Funeral home, 24 Shaker Road, Gray.
In memory of Art, please send memorial donations to: Gray-New Gloucester Little League
Softball Program
P.O. BOX 1236 Gray, Maine 04039
In recognition of his many years volunteering his time and love for the game.
